The St. Louis Blues, with a record of 22-20-2, secured a decisive 3-0 victory over the Washington Capitals, after leading 1-0 and 2-0 at the end of the first and second periods respectively. The Blues' performance was a stark turnaround from their previous encounter, with a notable improvement in special teams play. Goals were scored by Colton Parayko with a shorthanded goal (SHG), Brayden Schenn on a delayed penalty, and James Neighbours with a power-play goal (PPG). Goalie Jordan Binnington contributed significantly to the win, making 18 saves to achieve his 14th career shutout and second of the season. The Capitals struggled offensively, managing only 18 shots in total and 13 even-strength shots, getting shut out for the fifth time this season. They will look to rebound in their next game against Minnesota on Tuesday.
My #stlblues player of the game was a tough call. Jordan Binnington deserved consideration, so did Justin Faulk, Brayden Schenn, but Colton Parayko was a horse that led the cavalry tonight in 3-0 win vs. #caps: https://t.co/e531JQonNA
GAME RECAP -- Binnington, #stlblues special teams difference in 3-0 shutout of #caps: https://t.co/z1LAMzkT4k
#Caps Draw a Blank in St. Louis — Blues blank Caps 3-0 as the two teams split home-and-home set: https://t.co/AyTY72XX7L
Colton Parayko: "Just a great effort by our group. Obviously Binner made some big saves, forwards were great, I thought our d-corps was good too. Good response. I think it's something to build on for our group." #stlblues
Schenn: "From puck drop right to the finish, guys were winning their battles, they were back-checking, D were closing plays and we were getting saves. That's how we have to play. It's not always going to be pretty, but in reality, that's how we've got to win games." #stlblues
Jordan Binnington with 18 saves for his second shutout of the season. Capitals had only 13 shots at even strength.
The #ALLCAPS surrendered a shorty early and they couldn’t get one past Binnington, who backstopped the Blues to a 3-0 win in St. Louis. WSH mustered just 18 shots in getting shutout for the 5th time. Next up: at MIN on Tues.
The Blues won, 3-0. They are 22-20-2. The St. Louis forecheck awakened and Jordan Binnington made the timely saves.
final: #stlblues 3, #caps 0 ... Blues take the second of the home-and-home. They win the special teams battle tonight after Caps won it Thursday. Parayko (SHG), Schenn (delayed penalty goal) and Neighbours (PPG), Binnington 18 saves for 14th career shutout.
Blues now with a PPG, a SHG and a delayed penalty 6-on-5 goal. 3-0.
Blues had only 12 even-strength shots on goal on Thursday vs. Capitals. It's the other way around tonight with Capitals having only 9 through two periods.
After two, #stlblues lead #caps 2-0. Shots are 18-14 in favor of STL.
Shorthanded (Parayko) and delayed penalty (Schenn) have Blues ahead 2-0 vs. Capitals. Capitals won special teams play, and the game, on Thursday. Blues, with a SHG and essentially a PPG tonight, winning that area tonight.
Delayed penalty was forthcoming, #stlblues passed around perimeter before Schenn's one-timer from the right circle beats Lindgren high stick side. https://t.co/brXDiWcnUH
On the delayed penalty, Brayden Schenn cranks a one-timer. 2-0, Blues.
As of now, shots are 12-5 Blues at the end of the first period. The plus-seven shot differential is the best for St. Louis since that third period against Chicago on Dec. 23 (plus-20!).
After 20, Caps trail Blues 1-0 after a SHG from Parayko. STL lead 12-5 in SOG.
#stlblues lead #caps 1-0 after one. Shots are 12-5 in favor of STL.